What is the difference is between a European barge cruise and a river cruise? The relaxed and intimate atmosphere onboard is similar, and destinations are often largely the same as well, visiting many of the same major ports. The main difference between a barge cruise and a river cruise in Europe is the size of the boat and hence the number of passengers onboard.

On your European barge cruise, you can expect a leisurely pace, an intimate atmosphere, and great, locally sourced food.

November and April are the best times to visit Belize since it's the dry season when sunny skies bring people from around the world to discover Mayan ruins, hike through the jungle and relax on tropical beaches.

A look at the botanical medical treasures that exist within the Amazon and other tropical rainforests. Details on how they are put to use in the Western world and a glimpse at how these resources are being threatened today.

Get a taste of favorite dishes from various regions of the Atlantic coast, from the fresh seafood of New England to the cozy dishes and sweet treats of the deep South.

When choosing the right Columbia River cruise for you consider how many days you want your trip to last, during which season you want to travel, and what kind of ship best suits your needs and interests.

Summer is the best time to visit the Columbia River to enjoy the sunny, blue skies when they are more attractive than the rainy gray skies that the other seasons are known for in the Pacific Northwest. Late Spring or early Fall before the hard rains begin can also be a great time to cruise the Columbia River as the colors of the spring and autumn vegetation will be unique and beautiful.

From cycling to hiking to walking tours of cities, active travelers will enjoy all of the engaging activities that abound on a New England cruise, complemented by delicious seafood and wine and possibly opportunities to whale watch right from the deck of your small ship.

Your cruise of the Great Lakes takes you to some of the top destinations and cities in the mid-East of the United States and Canada. Learn about the history and culture of the Great Lakes region, sample the local cuisine, learn about the industrial past, marvel at mighty Niagara Falls and the beautiful landscapes that span this region, or simply relax on the serene blue waters of these expansive lakes under the warmth of the North American sun.

On a Mississippi River cruise, there’s no excuse for boredom: you'll float past roaring waterfalls, dams, and scenic river bluffs, and explore historical towns along the banks of the mighty river. These are just a few of the highlights you'll experience on a Mississippi River cruise.

Below are our favorite Mississippi River cruise ports in order from north to south. Mississippi ports range from big cities like New Orleans and St. Louis to small historical towns like Mark Twain’s Hannibal and historical Vicksburg, Mississippi.

Unless you have over two weeks to spare and can cruise the entire Mississippi River, you will have to make the hard decision of whether to cruise the Upper or Lower Mississippi. Each section of this vast river can see wildly different weather at similar times of year, so the ideal time to visit will depend on where you plan to go. The overall experience between north and south also varies, with the north having more wildlife and scenery while the south offers more cultural experiences and history. The Mississippi tributaries like the Ohio, Tennessee, and Illinois Rivers offer an alternative, abbreviated Mississippi River experience worth considering.

All five of the Great Lakes feature exciting cruise itineraries, so there’s no wrong choice when selecting your Great Lakes cruise - it’s just a matter of deciding what you’d most like to see and do on your luxury cruise of the Great Lakes.

The Great Lakes feature the best of both worlds - all the excitement of a bigger cruise on the open seas with the intimate atmosphere and familiar feeling of river cruises. As the most significant collective body of fresh water on the planet, the Great Lakes of North America stretch across the border between the northern United States and southern Canada, draining into Canada’s mighty Saint Lawrence River.

There’s a new kid on the block if you’re an avid cruiser or looking for your next waterfront vacation: Great Lakes cruising. With plenty of options to choose from, choosing the right Great Lakes cruise can be an exciting experience, and we’re here to help.